Although it may seem odd to go to the mall to find a good restaurant, look no further than Scottsdale Fashion Square if you're in the mood for something fun, affordable and fabulous.
There you'll find P.B.Loco, a cafe featuring - what else? - peanut butter. And "Loco" isn't in the name for nothing.
P.B.Loco's menu offers sandwiches that might seem crazy, but try something new, and you won't be disappointed.
Loco offers a dozen varieties of peanut butter - some sweet, some savory, all fabulous.
P.B.Loco makes you feel like a kid again - albeit a classier one - with its bright green chairs, rainbow-tiled kitchen, and the side of animal crackers that comes with every order.
Brave enough to sample something out of the ordinary? Try a PBBLT! Sun-dried tomato peanut butter, bacon bits, cream cheese and lettuce make this a daring success.
For Thai food lovers, don't miss the Asian Curry Spice P.B. It evokes the flavors of nutty satay sauce, especially when mixed with other typical Asian ingredients, such as cucumbers and pineapple.
If you've got a sweet tooth, mix your peanut butter with Nutella. The hazelnut flavor is a perfect complement to Loco's white chocolate peanut butter on the Yummer Nummer, finished off with banana slices. You could also try adding marshmallow spread, coconut, honey or vanilla cream cheese.
Don't hesitate to make your own sandwich, either. With three different kinds of bread (served with or without crusts), wraps, and more than 20 toppings and spreads - the possibilities are endless.
Ask for samples if you're nervous about the outrageous peanut butter flavors, but it's a challenge to find one that's not delectable, as long as you go in with an open mind (or rather, open taste buds).
P.B.Loco also has four P.B.Chills - smoothies made with peanut butter, yogurt and milk. My favorite was the CinnApple, sinfully delicious with Sumatra Cinnamon and Raisin P.B., bananas and apples.
The best part? Hit up P.B.Loco on Thursday, and you'll also be supporting a good cause.
Thursday is Dine Out for Life Night, when all, or most, of the proceeds from P.B.Loco and many other popular Phoenix restaurants will be donated to help raise HIV/AIDS awareness and promote education.
Since you're already at the mall, keep the giving going by heading to Gap next. 50 percent of sales from Gap's sassy, stylish (PRODUCT)RED line goes to the Global Fund to help with the problem of AIDS in Africa.
There's no better excuse to spoil yourself with lunch and new clothes than when you're helping to save the world at the same time.
Visit www.dineoutforlife.com for more information.
Reach the reporter at: jessica.kokal@asu.edu.